FR2833866A1 - SEPARATION AND DEPOSITION INSTALLATION IN A LONGITUDINAL DIRECTION - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an installation for separation in a longitudinal direction (XX ′) and for sorting fragile objects (1) of different size and weight, comprising: - said separation and removal device (2) comprising two first endless conveyors (21, 22), preferably chain, arranged side by side and parallel in said longitudinal direction (XX '), the circulation of each said first conveyor being in a horizontal plane around two vertical axes (D1, -D'1, D2, -D'2) spaced (L) in said longitudinal direction (XX '), - each said first conveyor (21, 22) comprising half-separation elements (31, 32) which cooperate between them to form said compartments (3), and directly deposit by gravity said objects in a unitary receptacle (5) of a second conveyor (4) disposed below said first conveyor, each said receptacle (5) preferably cooperating with means of calibrag e of said objects by determining the value of at least one sorting characteristic.

Description

objects in a batch of objects to sort.

  Separation and depositing installation in a longitudinal direction.

  The present invention relates to an installation for separating in a longitudinal direction and sorting fragile objects of size and weight that can be

s different.

  More particularly, the present invention relates to an installation comprising: 1) a separation and depositing device comprising at least a first endless conveyor made up of separation elements regularly o spaced in said longitudinal direction of the travel path of said first conveyor, the spaces separating said successive separation elements forming individual compartments in which said objects are housed and entrained one by one, and 2) a second endless sorting conveyor comprising a series of unit receptacles, regularly spaced, each capable of receiving a said object, said second sorting conveyor being placed in continuity with said separation and depositing device, below said first conveyor, each said unitary receptacle preferably cooperating with a means of calibrating said objects by determining the value of at least one

  o sorting characteristic, preferably size, weight or appearance.

  One of the main applications of the invention is the sizing of fruits and logumes so as to separate them into different predetermined categories according to the criterion or criteria adopted, in particular the value of the sorting characteristic measured by said sizing means. The calibration means may be a weighing means or a display or measurement means.

  dimensions by an optical device.

  There are various separation devices by conveyor adapted to this application, generally comprising an endless chain supporting support elements having surfaces of revolution such as elements o of the "diabolo" type, including the spaces which separating them constitute cells or compartments in which the objects to be sorted are housed and entrained. These are generally fed continuously from an upstream conveyor of the wide horizontal band type on which they undergo a first visual and manual sorting. Objects to be sorted such as fruit are of the same type but have diflerent characteristics depending on their size,

  their maturity, their weight, their appearance or others and therefore arrive mixed.

  The objective of the separation device is then to entrain them one by one to distribute them each in a unitary receptacle consisting of a plate, a bucket or a cup, a multi-plate, multi-plate or respectively multi-buckets, driven on a sorting and calibration conveyor. The latter then deposits in turn the objects towards different outlets according to their sorting characteristics measured in a place of the installation between the point where we are sure that they have been separated and therefore

  individualized one behind the other and the first possible sorting outing.

  In FR 2 682 941, it is known to use separation devices comprising inclined conveyors in an upward slope so that the combined effects of this slope and of the shape of the diabolos favor the adjustment and the positioning of said objects between lesd its d iabolos, n otamm ent lo rsq ue said objects are fruit or lémmes of quasi-revolving form. In the case where two objects of small size are positioned by overlapping in the central space between two diabolos , due to the inclination of the first conveyor on an upward slope, only said object in the lower position remains in the compartment o, because the excess object falls backwards until it finds available space in a next compartment where it can be housed in central position. This is why for good efficiency, a sufficient length of the first conveyor is generally of the order of 1.5 m to 2 m approximately for the

most known systems.

  In the known systems represented in FIG. 1, said separation device comprises a single endless conveyor, the circulation of which in fact takes place in a vertical plane around two pinions with horizontal axes, spaced in said

longitudinal direction.

  It follows that when the separation elements such as diabolos so of said first conveyor initiate a rotation around the longitudinal axis of the pinion at one end of said first conveyor, said object is released from its compartment or cell and it then undergoes a fall until reaching the receptacle of said second conveyor disposed below said first conveyor. Taking into account on the one hand, the inclination in upward slope of said first conveyor and on the other hand, the presence of circulation pinions allowing the circulation from top to bottom of the diabolos around the pinions with horizontal axes of said first conveyor height of fall of the objects during the deposit in the receptacles of said second conveyor is relatively large, in general greater than 25 cm. Insofar as the different objects have a different weight and are propelled from said first conveyor towards the receptacles of said o second conveyor with a certain linear speed, the precision of the removal

  In the receptacles of the second conveyor is not satisfactory.

  It is in fact understood that the objects, because of their difference in weight, being animated with a linear speed not n u l the lo rs of the desol idarization of said

  first conveyor do not follow the same fall path.

  An adjustment of the synchronization or of the phase shift between said first and second conveyors is necessary, that is to say an adjustment of the distance to be traveled by a unitary receptacle of the second conveyor to arrive at the drop point of a d it object by offset in rotation dud it pig non eng renage d ud it first conveyor, and necessary for linear speed of travel of the o receptacles of said second conveyor to compensate for variations in weight or

  of average size of said objects between the different batches of said objects to be sorted.

  : In addition, this height of fall undergone by said fragile objects that are fruits or logumes, can cause their degradation because they do not support

  in general, too strong shocks ..

  s This is why in FR 2 682 941 the transfer of the fruit between the upper end of the first separation conveyor and the second calibration conveyor of the unit receptacles below, is assisted by a cylindrical brush driven in rotation. However, the cylindrical brush accompanies objects during only part of their fall. On the other hand, because of their size difference so objects sink more or less deeply into the bristles of the brush and therefore know a linear speed of fall towards the receptacles of said second conveyor, different according to their size. Synchronization of the first conveyor and the second calibration conveyor

therefore still remains a problem.

  We know in FR 2 332 818 and FR 2 748 220 devices for separating and depositing fragile objects made of a first conveyor allowing the deposit of said objects in the receptacles of a second conveyor

  calibration, the removal being done without falling fragile objects.

  However, in the system proposed in FR 2 332 818, the separation and depositing device comprises a conveyor constituted by two belts circulating in parallel which come to wedge said objects between the two o belts in cavities provided for this purpose, opposite on each strap. This device is not satisfactory because fragile objects are subjected to

  jamming between the belts and can be damaged as a result.

  On the other hand, when this device is supplied from an alignment device, it only functions correctly with objects all having substantially the same size. Indeed, at the end of the alignment device, the fruits arrive at the touch to touch and the spacing between the fruits and therefore the size of the fruits must correspond to the spacing between the imprints formed by the belts. Otherwise, the fruits could become lodged between the imprints, which on the one hand, can damage them and on the other hand, disturb the synchronization of

  o deposit them in a receptacle of a said second calibration conveyor.

  In addition, the objects can become wedged between the two belts at intermediate locations which do not correspond to the recessed housings formed by the imprints provided for receiving said objects; thus resulting in a subsequent deposit outside the unit receptacles provided in the second conveyor

  s whose scrolling is synchronized with respect to said fingerprints.

  Another drawback of the device described in FR 2 332 818 is that the spacing between the recessed housings formed in the belts constituting said first conveyor is identical to the spacing between the receptacles constituting said second conveyor, which must be at least o double the average size of the objects to be sorted to avoid interference in the analyzes when calibrating two objects placed on successive receptacles. In FR 2 748 220, the installation comprises two horizontal endless screws which rotate in opposite directions, with a guide and support member such as a bar situated between the screws and extending parallel to them and below those -this. The fruits are brought one by one to be deposited by gravity in receptacles at the end of the two screws. In this installation, the two worms make it possible to rotate the fruit on itself under certain conditions, which makes it possible to sort the fruits according to their appearance characteristics, in combination with means making it possible to check the appearance of the whole of the fruit such as a camcorder viewing the whole surface of the fruit, and means o send these images to a computer to compare them with reference images stored in memory. The rotation of the fruit on itself implies that it rests on the fixed support member, and therefore implies a positioning of said support member relative to the screws as a function of the size of the fruit. Therefore, for a given positioning, if the difference in diameter s between a large fruit and a small fruit is too large, all the fruits will no longer rotate. In addition, in FR 2 748 220, the rotation of the fruit can only be done by generating friction between the fruit, said screws and the fixed support which causes

  risk of fruit damage.

  o Finally, in FR 2 748 220, if the fruits are not substantially round, in particular oval and / or with a single axis of quasi-revolution, and are positioned with said axis of revolution arranged transversely relative to the direction of translation of the fruits , the fruits are pushed without turning thus generating considerable additional friction between the fruit,

  s the screws and the lower fixed support.

  The object of the present invention is to provide a sorting installation of the type comprising a device for separating fragile objects such as fruit, one by one with a view to depositing them in the unitary receptacles of a second calibration conveyor placed in continuity at the end and below said first conveyor, which makes it possible to carry out said deposit in said receptacles of the second conveyor, not requiring adjustment of the phase shift or of the mechanical synchronization of said second conveyor with respect to said first conveyor according to lots, in case of size variation and / or

the weight of said objects to be sorted.

  Another object on which the invention is based is therefore to provide a device for separating and depositing fragile objects of variable sizes which do not cause or cause the least possible damage to their surface during their entrainment on said first conveyor. and when they are placed in the receptacles of said

second conveyor.

  Another object is to provide a said separation and depositing device which ensures with great reliability and precision, on the one hand the separation of the objects o one by one, and this whatever the size of these objects, and on the other hand, depositing objects in the receptacles of said second conveyor, while retaining a

  rapid sorting throughput by the facility.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a separation and removal device which makes it possible to rotate the objects on themselves s, once separated and before their removal in order to analyze the whole of the external surface using means for analyzing the appearance of the fruit, such as a camera connected to a computer and sorting them subsequently according to their appearance, in particular for colorimetric or qualitative sorting or even according to size. To do this, the present invention provides an installation for separating in a longitudinal direction and sorting fragile objects of size and weight.

  - - may be different, including: - - -

  - a separation and depositing device comprising at least a first endless conveyor made up of separation elements comprising support and drive surfaces, evenly spaced, including the spaces which separate them in said longitudinal direction of the travel path of said first conveyor constitute individual compartments in which said objects can be housed and entrained one by one, before being deposited by gravity at the end of travel of said first conveyor, respectively in: n / a - a series of unitary receptacles, regularly spaced, suitable for each receiving a said object, constituting a second endless sorting conveyor, said second conveyor being disposed below said first conveyor, each said receptacle cooperating, preferably with a means for calibrating said objects by determining the value of at least one sorting characteristic. According to the present invention, the installation is characterized in that: - said separation and guidance device comprises two so-called first endless conveyors, preferably chain conveyors, arranged side by side and parallel in said longitudinal direction, the circulation of each said first conveyor being in a horizontal plane around two vertical axes spaced in said longitudinal direction, - each said first conveyor comprising half-separation elements each comprising a support and drive surface whose respective shapes on each said first conveyor are preferably symmetrical with respect to a vertical axial plane of said separation device and complementary, which cooperate with each other to: To form said separation elements and said compartments in the portion of the travel path corresponding to said direction longitudinal, and to be deposited directly by gravity lesdi ts objects in a said unitary receptacle of said second conveyor when two half-elements forming a said separation element move away from one another by rotation around their said vertical axes of rotation at the end of said separation device and o guidance. It is understood that each said first conveyor comprises half-separating elements each comprising themselves a support and drive surface whose respective shapes on each said first conveyor are symmetrical with respect to a median vertical axial plane in said direction s longitudinal, that is to say in the space between the two said first conveyors of said separation and depositing device, and said half-separation elements cooperate in their movement with one another, to form said compartments and to deposit said objects in said receptacles of said

  second conveyor at the end of travel of said first conveyors.

  n / a The present invention makes it possible to obtain a separation of objects such as fruits and limes of heterogeneous size and shape but whose external surface is preferably almost of revolution relative to at least one axis to be able to be rotated on them - same with respect to said axis of

  preferably almost revolution of said objects.

  The guide separation device according to the invention has several advantages. First of all, its overall height is much less than in devices with a first inclined conveyor on an upward slope with diabolos circulating in rotation from bottom to top according to the

prior art.

  As a result, it is no longer necessary to adapt the mechanical synchronization, that is to say the phase shift between the first and second conveyors o when it is necessary to sort batches of objects whose average size said objects

constituent is different.

  Advantageously, the motorization of said first conveyors is placed under the pinions of axes of rotation at the end of said separation and depositing device on the side of its supply, and the circulation of said second conveyor takes place around a pinion of horizontal axis which extends partly below the other end of said separation and depositing device More particularly, the height of fall of said fragile objects during said depositing of said objects in said unit receptacles is less than mm, preferably 50 mm, or in general approximately less than twice, o preferably less than once, the average height of said objects in the batch to be sorted.

  Preferably, the upper edge of said unitary receptacles of said

  second sorting conveyor arrives just below the underside of said first conveyor at its end, that is to say as close as possible, in particular: 5 just below the chain of said first conveyor when it comes to an endless chain conveyor that the separating half-elements occupy

  essentially the upper face of said first conveyors.

  The term “upper face of said first conveyors” is understood here to mean the face of said first conveyor situated above the horizontal axial plane of circulation

so of said first conveyors.

  The depositing of the objects in said unit receptacles only appears from the moment when the facing half-separation elements constituting a separation element begin to move apart from one another, being rotated around the respective vertical axes of each of said first conveyors. At the time of depositing in the receptacles of said second conveyor, the objects are driven by a linear speed greater than the linear speed of the separation elements in the part of their path corresponding to s said longitudinal direction. Indeed, this linear speed of depositing an object

  depends on the distance between on the one hand, the point of contact of the object and the half

  separating element which supports it, and on the other hand, the axis of rotation concerned.

  As a result, it is possible to provide a large spacing of the receptacles of said second conveyor, while retaining a reduced spacing between said o separation elements of said first conveyors, which constitutes another

  advantage of the installation according to the present invention.

  To facilitate the supply of said separation and depositing device with said fragile objects, this supply is carried out from a belt alignment device, placed in continuity with one another in said longitudinal direction, in particular an alignment device of known type comprising two belts placed side by side in the same horizontal longitudinal direction and disposed in an inclined opposite manner, of opposite inclinations, so as to form substantially a V. In this case, it is advantageous of being able to space said separation elements of said first conveyor by a distance o corresponding to the average dimension in the longitudinal direction of said fragile objects to be sorted, when they are in place in said compartments of said first conveyor. It then suffices to fix the linear-scrolling speed of said first conveyors in said longitudinal direction, so that the fruits of diameter smaller than the average diameter arriving at the touch key s from said alignment device are housed respectively in two

  successive compartments of said separation and guiding device.

  Thus, if two objects of size larger than the average size arrive touch by touch from the alignment device, they will be housed in said compartments of said first conveyor spaced from an empty compartment. and so two objects of sizes smaller than the average diameter of the objects will not risk

  not to stay in the same compartment.

  In a particular embodiment, two said successive unit receptacles (5) of said second endless conveyor are spaced apart by a pitch (or regular distance) greater than the spacing pitch of said successive separation elements in said longitudinal direction of the path of said first conveyors, preferably the spacing spacing of said unitary receptacles is substantially double the spacing spacing of said elements

s separation.

  More particularly, the spacing pitch of said successive separation elements is substantially identical to the average dimension of said objects in said longitudinal direction XX ', preferably at 60 to 120

  mm, more preferably about 75 mm.

  o In a particular embodiment, said separation and depositing device extends in said longitudinal direction over a length of less than 1.5 m, preferably less than 1 m, more preferably less than 0.5 m, this which generally corresponds to a capacity of 5 to 10 said compartments in

said longitudinal direction.

  It is understood that the distance or "no spacing" between said separation elements then means the distance between their said axes of revolution. In a preferred embodiment, said half-separation elements comprise said support and drive surfaces for said objects which define surfaces of axis revolution, preferably horizontal or vertical. In one embodiment, said half-separating elements comprise said surfaces for supporting and driving said objects which define surfaces of axis of revolution, preferably horizontal or vertical, surface of revolution of which at least part is capable of being rotated about itself around said axis of revolution so as to rotate said objects on themselves. Said half-separation elements can thus be, at least in part, mobile in rotation around their said axes, and allow the rotation on themselves of said objects, so as to be able to present the fruit in all its faces to a device. which analyzes the fruit according to different parameters requiring an inspection on all of its faces, such as its appearance, maturity or quality, etc. More particularly, said surface of revolution of horizontal or vertical axis of revolution is capable of being rotated, at least in part, by a strip moving in said longitudinal direction coming into friction against said surface of revolution or part of surface of revolution able to be rotated. Said band transmits a rotational movement to said

  surface by friction when it scrolls.

  Preferably, said half-separation elements define frustoconical surfaces, preferably, symmetrical with respect to a vertical axial plane of symmetry of said separation compartments, in said direction

o longitudinal.

  More particularly still, said half-separation elements define, at least in part, half trunks of cones of horizontal axes symmetrical with respect to a vertical axial plane of symmetry of said

  separation compartments, in said longitudinal direction.

  s In one embodiment, said half-separating elements may comprise a fixed part and a mobile part, said mobile part defining a said surface of revolution capable of being rotated about itself around its axis of revolution, said movable part being, of

  preferably, constituted by a roulette.

  o More particularly, said caster is placed at the end of a said fixed part, the latter constituting a frustoconical or semi-frustoconical surface with the same horizontal axis of revolution on said caster, preferably placed at its end closest to said axial plane of symmetry of the said separation compartments, and the said moving strip is placed

  s horizontally in said longitudinal direction below said caster.

  Advantageously, the same moving strip disposed axially in said longitudinal direction over only part of the length of said separation and depositing device rotates said rollers.

each of said first conveyors.

  o In an alternative embodiment, said half-separation elements comprise said support and drive surfaces of said objects which define surfaces of vertical axis of revolution, at least part of said surface of revolution, preferably consisting of 'a roller, is able to be driven in horizontal rotation around its said vertical axis by two said scrolling bands placed laterally with respect to said half-separating elements in said longitudinal direction XX', coming into friction against said surfaces of revolution capable to be rotated. It is understood that in this alternative embodiment, said scrolling bands are in an inclined position relative to the vertical to come into contact with said

  mobile surfaces of revolution when these are of frustoconical shape.

  Said separating half-elements can be constituted by rigid elements and thus form said hard support surfaces which are not deformable by said object. Said half-separating elements may also consist of flexible or semi-rigid elements such as

  elements made of rubber or foam, at least in part.

  Advantageously, said half-separation elements comprise said support and drive surfaces of said objects which are, at least partly, coated with flexible or semi-rigid bristles. Said support surfaces thus forming a brush which constitutes a damping mat, said bristles

  can deform under the weight of said objects.

  More particularly still, when said separating half-elements comprise a said movable part, in particular a said caster, its surface o can be coated, on at least one part, with bristles to constitute a rotary brush. The present invention also provides a method of sorting fragile objects using an installation according to the invention. The steps are carried out in which: sa) the said separation device is supplied with said fragile objects, preferably from a said aligning device, and b) the respective linear speeds of travel of the said first and second conveyors are adjusted so that that said fragile objects are deposited in said unit receptacles, that is to say that said second so conveyor has a said unit receptacle when said half-separating elements at the end of said first conveyor move apart and deposit said object . In step b) the linear speed of said second conveyor is adjusted so that it is greater, preferably twice the linear speed of its objects in translation in its compartments of said

  first conveyors in said longitudinal direction.

  s According to another advantageous characteristic, the rate of deposit and reception of said objects by respectively said first and second conveyors corresponds to a rate of at least 5 objects per second, of

  preferably at least 10 objects per second.

  According to another advantageous characteristic of the method according to the invention, o the relative linear speed (m / sec) of said objects in said longitudinal direction XX ′ with respect to said receptacles during said removal is

substantially zero.

  This means that the linear speed of said second conveyor is substantially identical to the linear speed of said fragile objects during their

  s said drop-off by said first conveyors.

  It is understood that the ratio between the linear speed of depositing said objects and the linear speed of said objects in translation in said longitudinal direction in ale depends on the geometry of said separation elements of its first conveyors, and in particular on the distance separating from a on the one hand, the point o of contact between objects and half-elements of separation and on the other hand, the axes

  rotation of said first conveyor.

  More precisely, to obtain - a zero relative linear speed of said object when it is deposited in said receptacle, it is necessary to adapt the following two parameters: s - on the one hand, the value of the ratio between the spacing step of said unitary receptacles of said second conveyor, the spacing of said separation elements of said first conveyors, and on the other hand, the geometry of said separation elements, namely more particularly, the distance between on the one hand the points of contact said objects o with said half-separation elements, and secondly, said axes of rotation. It is also understood that the ratio between the linear speed of the receptacles of said second conveyor and the linear speed of said objects in translation in said compartments of said first conveyors in said longitudinal direction is equal to the ratio between the spacing pitch of said unitary receptacles of said second conveyor and the spacing of said

  separation elements of said first conveyors.

  s More particularly, the linear speed of said second conveyor is greater, preferably substantially twice, the linear speed of said objects in translation in said compartments of said first conveyors

  in said longitudinal direction XX '.

  Thus, if as a function of the distance between said separation elements and o said axes of rotation of these separation elements, the linear speed of depositing the fruits is twice the linear speed of objects in translation in said compartments of said first conveyors in said longitudinal direction, then the linear speed and the spacing pitch of said unitary receptacles of said second conveyor must also be twice the linear speed and the spacing pitch of said separation elements of said first conveyors to obtain a zero relative linear speed of said object when

deposits in a said receptacle.

  According to another advantageous characteristic of the method according to the invention, the linear speed of travel of said alignment device is adjusted to o obtain a rate of supply of the separation and depositing device identical to said rate of removal of said objects, when said device for aligning the led it separating and depositing device with touch-to-touch objects, the size of which corresponds to the smallest size of said objects

in a batch of objects to sort.

  When the installation according to the invention comprises a said moving strip for rotating the fruits on themselves, the linear speed of travel of said moving strip allowing the rotation of said objects on themselves, is substantially higher or lower (but not identical) to the linear speed of said first conveyor so as to allow the rotation of said objects on themselves. Other advantages and characteristics of the present invention will appear in the detailed light of several embodiments which will follow, made with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 in which: FIG. 1 represents a sorting installation with device for

  separation and guidance with rising incline according to the prior art.

  FIG. 2 represents a top view of an installation according to the invention. FIG. 3 represents a side view of an installation according to the invention. FIG. 4 represents a section along AA of the installation of the invention

in figure 3.

  FIG. 5 represents a section BB of the installation of FIG. 3.

  FIG. 6 represents a side view of an installation according to the present invention equipped with means making it possible to rotate said objects 1 on themselves.

  FIG. 7 represents an installation according to FIG. 6 in top view.

  Figure 8 shows an installation according to Figure 6 and 7 in cross section. In FIGS. 2 to 4, there is shown an installation according to the present invention, comprising: 1) an alignment device 6, and 2) a separation and removal device 2, and

  3) a said second calibration conveyor 4.

  o These 3 elements extend in the longitudinal direction XX '.

  The alignment device 6 is composed of two belts 6 ,, 62 arranged opposite each other along a reverse inclined slope so as to form a Vj in which are housed said fragile objects 1 aligned one behind the other. Given the running of said belts 6, 62 the objects 1 arrive at the end of said alignment device on the side of said separation device and

removal 2 in key to key.

  The separation and guiding device 2 comprises two said first endless conveyors 2, 22 with chain, arranged side by side and parallel in said longitudinal direction XX ′, the circulation of each said first conveyor

  o is done in a horizontal plane around two vertical axes respectively D-

D 'and D2-D'2.

  Each of said first conveyors 2, 22 ensures the scrolling of half separation elements 3, 32. These half separation elements 3 ', 32 define half-trunks of cones of horizontal axes D3. These half cones occupy only the upper face of said first conveyors, that is to say the face opening out above the chains 7, 72 ensuring the

  circulation of the two so-called first conveyors 2 ,, 22.

  s Each said first conveyor 2, 22 thus comprises separation half-elements each comprising a support and drive surface whose respective shapes on each half conveyor are symmetrical with respect to a median vertical axial plane of said separation and removal 2. More specifically, the two half-trunks of cones constituting two o half-separation elements opposite 3 ,, 32 are arranged so that their generatrix slopes downward towards said median vertical axial plane, so as to what they define complementary shapes which cooperate with each other to form individual compartments 3 in which said objects 1 can be housed and entrained one by one in the portion of the travel path of said first conveyors 2 ,, 22 corresponding to said longitudinal direction XX '. In other words, two half-separating elements 3 ', 32 arranged opposite each other form a separating element; and two adjacent dividing elements in said longitudinal direction XX 'form in their intermediate central space o a said individual compartment 3 in which can be

house said objects.

  The half-separation elements 3, 32 of each of said first conveyors 2, 22 are regularly spaced in said longitudinal direction XX 'by a spacing step p, of a value corresponding to an average diameter s of fruit suitable for sort peaches, kiwis, tomatoes, peppers, artichokes,

oranges or apples.

  The distance (d) between two vertical axes facing each of said first conveyors 2, 22, namely the distance between D and D2 or D 'and D'2 is approximately 97.5 mm. This difference between D and D2 is essentially occupied by o two separating half-elements 3 ,, 32. The diameter of the rotation pinions

  of the two channels 7 ,, 72 is 33 mm.

  It follows from this geometry of the separation and depositing device 2 that the linear speed of the separation half-elements 3 ,, 32 when they are rotating around the axes D, and D2 respectively is twice their linear speed of travel in the portion of their translational path in said

longitudinal direction XX '.

  In Figures 2 and 3, there is shown a separation and removal device 2 comprising 7 individual compartments 3 in which fragile medium-sized objects are touch to touch. The distance L between the axes D, and D ', and D2 and D'2 is 650 mm: When the half-separation elements 3, 32 arrive at the end of their path in the longitudinal direction XX', they begin a rotation around o respectively axes D and D2, they deviate by lateral rotation in the horizontal plane, which causes the deposit by gravity of a said object supported by said half-separating elements 3 ,, 32 in a receptacle unit 5 of said

second calibration conveyor 4.

  Said second calibration conveyor 4 is constituted by a succession of unit receptacles 5 spaced apart by an equal pitch P2 therefore corresponding to twice the spacing pitch of the individual compartments 3 of said first conveyors 2 ,, 22. Unit receptacles 5 often cooperate with a weighing means such as an electronic balance which allows the determination of the weight and the ejection of said fragile object by a dumping means 5, on a table or o a sorting or packaging conveyor (not shown) arranged perpendicular to said calibration conveyor 4, depending on the value of

  their sorting characteristic, namely here their weight.

  The calibration conveyor 4 is placed below the separation and depositing device 2 and generally extends over at least 10 meters. Ce: 5 conveyor is an endless chain conveyor with circulation in a vertical plane, that is to say around pinions 9 with horizontal axes D4 and diameters of at least

minus 400 mm.

  All the motorization devices 8 for rotating the two conveyor chains 7 ,, 72 are arranged below the two pinions o with axes D '' - D'2 located at the end of the side of the alignment device , so as to reduce the size on the pinions of axes D, D2 on the side of the second calibration conveyor 4 and thus allow the approximation in height thereof below the separation and guide device 2, part of the pinion 9 allowing circulation from bottom to top of the receptacles of the calibration conveyor 4 which can be housed under the end of the separation and

deposit 2 ..

  By the fact that the two so-called first conveyors 2, 22 circulate in s a horizontal plane on the one hand, that on the other hand, the axes of rotation D,, D2 to

  the end of the calibration conveyor are supported by semi-guides

  circular grooves, not driven by a motorization and that finally said half

  separating elements 3, 32 occupy only the upper face au-

  above the conveyor chains 7, 72, it is possible to bring as close as possible the calibration conveyor 4 below said first conveyors 2, 22. The fall height h, namely the height between the level of the contact points of said objects fragile on said separation elements (A,) and the points of contact between desd its fragile objects in lesd its receptacles an itai res 5 (A2) is

of the order of 50 mm.

  s Thus, by way of illustration for objects to be sorted, such as fruit or lemmes with a diameter of 40 to 100 mm, in particular peaches, tomatoes,

  peppers, artichokes, oranges or apples with an average diameter of 76 mm.

  Advantageously, a spacing pitch of said separation elements p of 76 mm is chosen, said medium-sized objects then being touch-to-touch in two adjacent compartments 3, and a spacing pitch of said unitary receptacles P2 of 158 mm. Under these conditions, if the deposit rate is 5 objects per second, preferably at least 1G objects per second, the speed of the alignment device will be 40mm x 5 x, i.e. 12 m / minute, the linear speed of said first conveyor will be 5 x 76 x 60, or 22.8 m / minute, and the linear speed of said unitary receptacles will be x 158 x 60, or about 47.4 m / minute. The installation according to the present invention makes it possible to obtain a rate of depositing of objects from 5 to 10 objects per second, with a relative linear speed of said object at the time of its deposit in said receptacle relative to the linear speed of said receptacle in the longitudinal direction XX 'almost zero. In Figures 6 to 8, there is shown an alternative embodiment in which the installation comprises means for rotating said objects 1 on themselves. In this installation, the half elements of

  frustoconical separation 3, 32 include a fixed part 34 forming a half

  truncated cone with at its free end a roller 33 capable of being rotated about its axis of horizontal revolution D3. The rotation of the rollers s 33 is obtained by means of a moving strip 10 disposed in the longitudinal direction XX 'axially between said first conveyors 2, 22 below said rollers 33 against which they are in friction, so that the travel of said strip 10 rotates said rollers 33 of each of said first conveyors 2 ,, 22 o In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the separating half-elements 3, 32 each consist of a roller 33, said rollers 33 being able to be mounted on a part, in particular a hub, directly fixed on the chains of said first conveyors 2, 22 and said rollers being driven in rotation by the same moving strip or a motorized mechanism at said part. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for fruits which have a deformity, in particular, a shape

  not spherical, because thus all of said support surfaces of said half

  separation elements is rotated (not just a

  part), because in this embodiment there is no longer any fixed part 34.

  o In one embodiment, the rotation of the rollers 33 causes the rotation of the fruits 1 wedged in the compartments delimited by two successive series of two half-separating elements facing each other. The rotation of said objects 1 using an optical control element such as a camera (not shown) oriented downwards and located above the separation and depositing device 2, makes it possible to view all the faces of said object when it has made a complete turn on itself and thus to determine the category of fruit according to its appearance characteristics such as size or, more generally, color. In particular, we can determine what is the dominant color, which is an important sorting characteristic in the case

o fruit or lime.

  The information taken by the camera is transmitted to a computer which, using a program, establishes a classification of object 1 using these specific selection criteria, on the one hand at sorting that one wishes to carry out later and, on the other hand, to the variety of the sorted product. This sorting is carried out before calibration by weighing, which will be determined by the grader in line with the depositor, so that the product can be sorted both according to its weight and its appearance characteristics such as its color. r and s its quality, even its size, this camera can indeed also be used to carry out an analysis of the volume of the product and to bring this criterion into play

further sorting.

  Such an installation is more particularly useful for fruits or vegetables which have several colors, such as tomatoes which can o be two-colored according to their degree of maturity, namely predominantly green or predominantly red and which one wishes to sort by function of this dominant. This is also applicable to apples which may be predominantly red,

  predominantly green or predominantly yellow.

  To determine the dominant color, it is necessary to inspect the entire surface of the fruit and therefore have a complete rotation of the

  fruit before analyzing it using said computer program.

  In Figure 6, there is shown the moving strip 10 consisting of a flat belt circulating around pulleys 1 1, 1 12 and 1 13 of which at least one 1 1, is rotated by a gearmotor associated with a variator . The moving strip 10 rotates only part of the rollers 33 facing said camera (not shown) placed above said device.

ri separation and removal 2. - -

  If the moving strip 10 travels in the same direction as the direction of movement of said first conveyors 2, 22 in said longitudinal direction s XX ', and if the linear speed of moving strip 10 is greater than the speed of translation of said separating elements 3 ,, 32 and said objects in said direction XX ', said objects 1 rotate in the opposite direction of their progression

in that direction.

  On the other hand, if said linear speed of the moving strip is less than so said speed of translation in the direction XX ', said objects rotate from back to front, that is to say in the same direction as that of their progression in

said longitudinal direction XX '.

  If the linear speed of the moving strip is equal to that of the separating elements and said objects in said compartments, said objects do not rotate. Thus by varying the linear speed of the moving strip, it is possible to implement an embodiment in which said objects 1 do not rotate, in particular in the case where a category of fruit would not bear well.

  rotation because of their advanced degree of maturity.

  Finally, if the moving strip travels in a direction opposite to that of the direction of circulation of said first conveyors 2, 22 in said longitudinal direction,

  the difference in speed is too great and there is a risk of damaging the fruit.

  o In one embodiment (not shown), the outer surface of revolution of said rollers cooperates on a part with said moving strip so as to be driven in rotation and on another part of this said surface of revolution, the latter is coated hair so that it can be used as

  flexible support with respect to said objects.

Claims (24)

  1. Installation for separation in a longitudinal direction (XX ′) and for sorting fragile objects (1) of different size and weight, comprising: s - a separation and depositing device (2) comprising at least a first endless conveyor (2 ,, 22) made up of separation elements (3-32) evenly spaced in said longitudinal direction (XX ') from the travel path of said first conveyor to form in the space (p,) which separates them , individual compartments (3) in which said objects (1) o can be housed and entrained one by one, before being deposited by gravity at the end of travel of said first conveyor, respectively in: - a series of unitary receptacles (5 ) regularly spaced (P2), each capable of receiving a said object, constituting a second endless sorting conveyor (4) disposed below said first conveyor, each said receptacle s (5) preferably cooperating with a means for calibrating said objects by determining the value of at least one sorting characteristic, characterized in that: - said separation and depositing device (2) comprises two said first endless conveyors (2, 22), preferably with chains, arranged side by side and parallel in said longitudinal direction (XX '), the circulation of each said first conveyor being in a horizontal plane around two vertical axes (D, -D' ,, D2- D'2) spaced (L) in said longitudinal direction (XX '),   - Each said first conveyor (2 ,, 22) comprising half-separation elements (3 ,, 32) which cooperate with each other to: To form said separation elements and said compartments (3) in the portion of the corresponding travel path to said longitudinal direction (XX ′), and to deposit directly by gravity said objects in a so-called unitary receptacle (5) of said second conveyor (4) when two half-elements (3, 32) form a separation element deviate from each other by rotation about their said vertical axes of rotation (D, D2) at the end of said   separation and removal device (2).   2. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the drop height of said fragile objects (1) during said removal of said objects in said unit receptacles (5) is less than 100 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, preferably still the upper edge of said unit receptacles (5) of said second sorting conveyor (4) arrives just below the   underside of said first conveyor at its end.   3. Installation according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in   what said half separating elements (3 ,, 32) essentially occupy the   upper face of said first conveyors.   o 4. Installation according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that   that said half-separating elements (3 ,, 32) comprise said support and drive surfaces of said objects which define surfaces of   revolution of axis of revolution, preferably horizontal (D3) or vertical.   5. Installation according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that   s that said half-separation elements (3, 32) comprise said support and drive surfaces of said objects which define surfaces of revolution of axis of revolution, preferably horizontal (D3) or vertical, surface of revolution whose at least one part (33) is able to be rotated about itself around said axis of revolution (D3) so as to rotate said objects about themselves.   6. Installation according to claim 5, characterized in that said surface of revolution of horizontal (D3) or vertical axis of revolution is able to be rotated, at least in part, by a moving strip (10) in said direction longitudinal coming into friction against said surface of revolution   OR part of the surface of revolution able to be rotated.   7. Installation according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that   that said half-separation elements (3, 32) define frustoconical surfaces, preferably symmetrical with respect to a vertical axial plane (P) of symmetry of said separation compartments (3), in said direction so longitudinal (XX ').   8. Installation according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that   that said half-separation elements (3 ,, 32) define at least partially half-trunks of cones of horizontal axes, symmetrical with respect to a vertical axial plane (P) of symmetry of said separation compartments (3), in   said longitudinal direction (XX ').   9. Installation according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that   that said half-separating elements (31, 32) comprise a fixed part (34) and a mobile part (33), said mobile part defining a surface of revolution capable of being rotated about itself around its axis of revolution. 10. Installation according to claim 9, characterized in that said   mobile part is constituted by a caster (33).   o 11. Installation according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said roller (33) is placed at the end of a said fixed part (34), the latter constituting a frustoconical or semi-frustoconical surface (33) likewise horizontal axis of revolution (D3) that said caster, preferably placed at its end closest to said axial plane (P) of symmetry of said separation compartments (3), and said moving strip (10) is placed horizontally in   said longitudinal direction (XX ') below said roller (33).   12. Installation according to one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in   that the same moving strip (10) disposed axially in said longitudinal direction (XX ') over only part of the length of said separation and depositing device (2) rotates said movable surfaces of revolution, preferably, said rollers (33) of each of said first conveyors (2 ,, 22) -   13. Installation according to claim 5, 7, 9 or 10, characterized in that said separating half-elements (3, 32) comprise said surfaces s for supporting and driving said objects which define axes of revolution surfaces of vertical revolution, at least part of said surface of revolution, preferably consisting of a wheel, is capable of being driven in horizontal rotation about its vertical axis by two said scrolling bands placed laterally with respect to said half-elements of separation so in said longitudinal direction (XX '), coming into friction against said   surfaces of revolution able to be rotated.   14. Installation according to one of claims 4 to 13, characterized in   that said half-separation elements (3, 32) comprise said support and drive surfaces for said objects which are, at least in   part, coated with flexible or semi-rigid bristles.   15. Installation according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in   that the motorization of said first conveyors (2 ,, 22) is placed under the pinions of axes of rotation (D ', D'2) at the end of said separation and depositing device (2) on the side of its feeding, and the circulation of said second conveyor (4) takes place around a pinion (9) of horizontal axis (D4) which extends partly below the other end of said separation and depositing device (2) .   o 16. Installation according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in   that said separation device (2) is supplied with said fragile objects (1) from an alignment device preferably with belts (6), placed in   continuity of each other in said longitudinal direction (XX ').   17. Installation according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in   s that the spacing pitch (p2) of two said successive unitary receptacles (5) of said second endless conveyor (4) is greater than the spacing pitch (p,) of two said separating elements (3-32) successive in said longitudinal direction of the path of said first conveyors, preferably the spacing pitch (P2) of said unitary receptacles (5) is substantially double the spacing pitch (p,) of said separation elements (3, 32) 18. Installation according to claim 17, characterized in that the spacing pitch (p,) of said successive separation elements (3-32) is substantially identical to the average dimension of said objects in said longitudinal direction (XX '), preferably 60 to 120 mm, preferably s again, about 75 mm.   19 Method of sorting fragile objects using an installation according to   one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the steps are carried out in   which: a) feeding said separation device (2) with said fragile objects o (1), preferably from a said alignment device preferably with belt (6), and b) the respective linear speeds of scrolling of said first (2 ,, 22) and second conveyor (4) are adjusted so that said fragile objects   are deposited in a said unitary receptacle (5).   20. The method of claim 19, characterized in that the rate of depositing and receiving said objects by respectively said first and second conveyors corresponds to a rate of at least five   objects per second, preferably at least ten objects per second.   21. Method according to one of claims 19 or 20, characterized in that   that the relative linear speed (m / sec) of said objects in said longitudinal direction o (XX ') relative to said receptacles during said removal is substantially zero.   22. Method according to one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that   that the linear speed (V2) of said second conveyor (4) is greater, preferably substantially twice, than the linear speed (V,) of said objects in translation in said compartments (3) of said first conveyors (2 ,, 22)   in said longitudinal direction (XX ').   23. Method according to one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that   that the linear speed of travel of said alignment device (6) is adjusted to obtain a supply rate of the separation and depositing device o (2) identical to said rate of removal of said objects, when said alignment device ( 6) feeds said separation and depositing device (2) with touch-to-touch objects, the size of which corresponds to the smallest size of said   objects in a batch of objects to sort.   24. Method according to one of claims 19 to 23 wherein one   s uses an installation according to one of claims 6 to 18 characterized in that the   linear speed of travel of said moving strip (10) allowing the rotation of said objects on themselves, is substantially greater or less than the linear speed (V) of said first conveyor (2 ,, 22) so as to allow the